Items to Have On Hand, About Midi

Preparations to Make Before Performing

Although the GI-20 can be used with both guitars and basses, the descriptions here are based on the assumption you are using a guitar or six-string bass, and the numerals indicating the “strings” in the descriptions of settings and procedures correspond to the 1st through 6th strings of a guitar or regular six-string bass. If you are using a four-string or five-string bass, substitute the following numbers for those discussed in the manual.

1st String	→	---
2nd String	→	1st String (G)
3rd String	→	2nd String (D)
4th String	→	3rd String (A)
5th String	→	4th String (E)
6th String	→	5th String (B)

Items to Have On Hand

●To use the GI-20, you need a guitar or bass equipped with a pickup capable of separately outputting the signals for each individual string (a divided pickup).

●The GI-20 contains no internal sound generator, so you will need to use a separate MIDI sound module.

●Determine which other gear you will need by referring to the connection examples (p. 10).

Installing the Divided Pickup on the Guitar or Bass

First, attach the divided pickup to your instrument. Install the GK-2A if you are using a guitar; if you are playing a bass, install the GK-2B. Refer to the GK-2A or GK-2B Owner’s Manual for instructions on installing the pickup.

Guitars That Cannot Be Used with the GK-2A/GK-2B

While the compact design of the GK-2A/GK-2B allows its installation on many different guitars, please note the following types of guitars on which it cannot be used:

•12-string, pedal steel, and other specially strung guitars.

•Nylon-strung, gut-strung, and similar guitars; bass guitars.

•Guitars which, due to their physical design, lack the space for proper mounting of the GK-2A/GK-2B.

Several guitar manufacturers produce guitars that can be connected directly to the GR series with a GK cable, without the use of a GK-2A/GK-2B. For more information, please ask your dealer or these guitar manufacturers.

About MIDI

MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface,” a worldwide standard that enables electronic instruments and peripherals to share information about performances, sound switching, and other functions. MIDI is a standard that is shared by a wide range of instruments from different manufacturers. For instance, you could use a MIDI controller from company A to play a sound module from company B or send data to a sequencer from company C.

MIDI Messages Handled by the GI-20

What follows is a list of some of the different types of MIDI messages that the GI-20 can handle.

•“Note On messages” provide information on what string was played, and its pitch and force.

•“Note Off messages” provide information on when a string stops vibrating.

•“Bend messages” provide information for changing the pitch smoothly, such as when bending, vibrato, or hammering.

•“Bank Select messages” and “Program Change messages” transmit commands for switching patches.

•“Control Change messages” provide information on changes in volume and effects.

•“System Exclusive (SysEx) messages” provide information for exchanging patch data with external instruments.

GI-20 specifications

The Roland GI-20 is a groundbreaking MIDI guitar converter that allows electric guitarists to explore the vast world of MIDI technology. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional guitar playing and digital music production, the GI-20 transforms standard guitar signals into MIDI data, giving players access to a wide array of synthesized sounds and virtual instruments.

One of the main features of the GI-20 is its ability to track the guitar’s pitch with high accuracy. Utilizing Roland’s advanced technology, the device boasts rapid response times and minimal latency, ensuring that every note plucked or strummed is translated into MIDI in real-time. This precision is crucial for guitarists who wish to maintain their playing style while experimenting with synthesizers and sampled instruments.

In terms of connectivity, the Roland GI-20 is equipped with a 13-pin connector, allowing it to interface seamlessly with compatible Roland synths, sound modules, and other MIDI devices. Additionally, standard MIDI outputs enable connection to MIDI controllers and computers, providing an expansive toolkit for music creation.

The user interface is designed with simplicity in mind. A large LCD display allows for easy navigation of settings, while intuitive controls help players adjust parameters on the fly. Guitarists can also customize their performance by altering the sensitivity levels, enabling them to fine-tune how the device responds to their playing style.

The GI-20 offers an array of built-in sounds that mirror the capabilities of traditional synthesizers. These sounds can be layered or split into different tones based on the player’s preferences, offering a variety of sonic textures to enhance compositions. Furthermore, the ability to save and recall user settings allows for quick access to preferred configurations during live performances.

Another significant characteristic of the GI-20 is its compatibility with a wide range of guitars, including both electric and bass guitars. As long as the instrument is equipped with the appropriate pickup system, the GI-20 can effectively convert its output into MIDI signals.

In summary, the Roland GI-20 is a versatile and innovative tool for guitarists seeking to expand their creative horizons. With its accurate tracking, extensive connectivity, user-friendly interface, and a wealth of sounds, it unlocks the potential for guitarists to dive into the realms of electronic music and MIDI composition. Whether in the studio or on stage, the GI-20 opens up a world of possibilities for musicians looking to blend traditional guitar playing with modern technology.